The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights has requested an investigation by the country's prosecutor's office into Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, following reports that he hired individuals with dwarfism to entertain at his 18th birthday celebration.
Lamine Yamal hosted the party on Sunday at a rented venue in Olivella, a small town located 50 kilometers northwest of Barcelona. The event was attended by YouTubers, influencers, and several of Yamal's Barcelona teammates.
It is alleged that Yamal hired a group of entertainers with dwarfism, an action which the Association of People with Achondroplasia and other Skeletal Dysplasias in Spain (ADEE) has labeled as "unacceptable in the 21st century."
Upon being contacted by BBC Sport, the Directorate General for People with Disabilities, part of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, stated: "ADEE has filed a legal complaint. As a result, this Directorate General has requested the Prosecutor's Office to investigate whether the law and the rights of people with disabilities have been violated."
ADEE has publicly condemned the hiring of individuals with dwarfism for entertainment, stating it plans to take legal action. The association argues that such practices "perpetuate stereotypes, fuel discrimination, and undermine the image and rights" of people with disabilities.
In a statement, ADEE emphasized: "These actions violate not only current legislation but also the fundamental ethical values of a society striving to be egalitarian and respectful. The general law on the rights of persons with disabilities explicitly prohibits 'shows or recreational activities where people with disabilities are used to provoke mockery, ridicule, or derision in a manner contrary to the respect due to human dignity.'
However, Spanish radio station RAC1 aired an interview with an individual claiming to be one of the entertainers at the party, who defended Lamine Yamal. "No one disrespected us; we worked in peace," said the artist, who chose to remain anonymous. "I don't understand why there's so much hype. We are normal people, doing what we want, in an absolutely legal way. We work as entertainers. Why can't we do it? Because of our physical condition? We know our limits and will never exceed them: we are not fairground monkeys."
The performer mentioned that the performance lasted one hour, after which the entertainers joined the party. "We danced, distributed drinks, performed magic... there are many types of shows. Everyone had a great time."
When approached for comment by BBC Sport, a spokesperson for Barcelona stated that the club was "not in a position to comment on an event that falls strictly within the private sphere," but added that their stance would be reassessed once "concrete information" is obtained.